Monroe Underground Podcast

What to do about Parkview Apartments

Marie Brown, Damian Coleman and Ambrose Douzart discuss issues surrounding the violence and living conditions in the Parkview Apartments in Monroe, La.

Police Murder of William "Mark" Henderson in Monroe, La.

William "Mark" Henderson was murdered by five Monroe, La. Louisiana police officers in August 2004. The officers shot him with over 20 rounds of Pepper Spray, over 15 bean bag shots and they fired 29 shots at him at close range from the front and back. Twelve shots missed, but 17 shots hit and killed him.
   The officers were never, fired, or reprimanded by the city's Black mayor, Jamie Mayo and a grand jury refused to indict them. When sons of Mr. Henderson sued for wrongful death the City of Monroe represented the rogue cops and avoided paying anything to his family. This podcast revisits that murder with two of the attorneys that represented the family: Former State Senator Charles Jones and Rep. Fred Jones.

A living wage for city workers

 The Free Press is issuing 22 challenges for candidates for Mayor and city council of Monroe on April 4, 2020. They force candidates to deal with bread and butter issues that impact the lives of the poor, working people and minorities. This podcast looks at the LIVING WAGE challenge. Some candidates accepted the challenge, others danced around it, and others, especially incumbents, refused to promise to work to improve the pay of firefighters and garbage workers within their first year of office. Listen to the podcast and share it with a friend.

Impact of John White Resignation on Public Education

John White has announced his resignation as State Superintendent of Education. That will prompt a serious discussion about changing the direction of public education in the state with its heavy emphasis on accountability standards, Common Core Instruction, and dumbed-down high school diplomas. In this podcast, Sandra Lollie, president of the local Federation of Teachers Union gives reflections on what White's resignation means to the state.

Rolland Edwards - Lonnie Hudson leadership viewpoints

On November 16, 2019,  Rolland Edwards and Lonnie Hudson will face off in a general election to elect a Police Juror for District F. Hudson was the front runner in the primary finishing first in a field of six. However, all of his opponents have endorsed Edwards. This podcast gives voters a chance to hear their views on a variety of topics of interest to the voters of the District. Listen and share with others.

Violence resolution requires more than photo sessions

 The October 19, 2019 headline in the Monroe Free Press read, "Attacking crime problem needs more than photo sessions." This podcast looks at the crime problem in the parish and makes suggestions about long term solutions. Listen and share.

Ideas of Anna Reed and Micheal Thompson

At a recent candidate's forum sponsored by KEDM Radio Anna Reed and Micheal Thompson gave their ideas about the police jury, if elected to the District D. seat on the Ouachita Parish Police Jury. This podcast compares the two candidates side by side on issues important to the district. Listen and share with a friend.

Davis pay promise prompts a $20,000 question

The September 21, 2019, Monroe Free Press Headline read "School Board tables $20,000 bonus for Eric Davis." This podcast shows school board members standing firm that Eric Davis should get anything he was promised by Superintendent Vidrine, but they are questioning whether it is really because he was principal of the year, or because he was secretly offered a bonus to leave Wossman High and move to Carroll. They maintain that if it is a bonus for moving, in the future, other teachers and principals will also ask the $20,000 question, "Where is the money?" when reassigned.

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What Eric Davis needs at Carroll

The August 31, 2019, Editorial Headline in the Monroe Free Press was, "Gallot is "Prez2" will Eric Davis be "Bossman2?" This podcast discusses the level of community support Davis will need to succeed as Carroll High School's newest principal. Listen and share with others.

West Parkview Homeowners sue city schools

 The August 17, 2019 headline read, "Arguments end on homeowner's school board suit." The suit was argued in 4th District Court this week with hopes to change the district's policy of placing roadblocks in the way of citizens who want to speak to the board using the Open Meetings Law.  This podcast expands on that lawsuit.